@gadgetmanmike said:

I use the tape measure and often it just plain doesn't create guide lines even tho. it just did and the tool is still selected.

If you measure from an edge (line) out along a face you get a guide.

If you measure from a vertex (line intersection) SketchUp thinks you are measuring and reports the distance.

AutoCAD is a drafting tool. SketchUp is a designing tool. Don't get sucked into silly discussions of which is better. Both are excellent at their core purpose.

Try my tutorial. It's still free.